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2026 Q1
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USA
19F, first job interview at McDonald’s + family/financial situation (need honest advice)
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Hi everyone, I’m 19 and I have my first job interview coming up at McDonald’s, and I could really use some advice. My interview is this Tuesday at 5:00pm! I already know what I’m going to wear and wha
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Hi everyone, I’m 19 and I have my first job interview coming up at McDonald’s, and I could really use some advice. My interview is this Tuesday at 5:00pm! I already know what I’m going to wear and what I need to bring with me, I plan on leaving my house around 4:30 or is that too early? A little background: I recently completed a CNA program, so I do have experience working under pressure and in team settings, but this would be my first actual job. I’m nervous but also excited and really want to do well. Here are the main things I’m dealing with: 1. First job / interview nerves I’ve never had a real job before, so I’m not sure what to expect. • What kind of questions do they usually ask? • How do I stand out if I don’t have official work experience? • Any tips to seem confident even if I’m nervous? 2. My brother works there and is discouraging me My brother has been working at the same McDonald’s for a couple months. Recently, he’s been kind of discouraging and saying things like it’s high pressure or that I can just apply somewhere else if I don’t get it. It honestly feels like he just doesn’t want me working there or having the same schedule as him. He just changed his schedule to: • Thursday & Friday: 5PM–9PM • Saturday & Sunday: 8AM–4PM I’m actually thinking about requesting the same days/times because: 3. Transportation / family situation I don’t drive yet, and my mom works night shifts at Amazon, so she’s already really tired and has a lot on her plate. She’s basically the main person who takes my brother to work. My grandma helps sometimes, but she isn’t always reliable or able to. I feel like if I worked the same shifts as my brother, it would make things easier on my mom instead of having to drive us separately at different times. • Is it okay to bring up scheduling like this in an interview? • Would it be a bad idea to try to match his schedule? 4. Money & independence concerns I recently had my debit card taken away because my mom wasn’t happy with how I spent some money. I understand her concerns and I do want to be more responsible, but I’m also 19 and want to start managing my own finances. If I get the job, I’m planning to set up direct deposit so my money goes straight into my account. I also have specific goals: • saving money • buying my own fitness equipment • getting groceries tailored toward muscle growth and eating better • Is direct deposit the right move here? • How do I balance financial independence while still living at home? 5. General advice Any tips for starting your first job, especially fast food? Things you wish you knew before starting? Another factor is that my mom has been dealing with some ongoing health issues that doctors are currently trying to figure out. We don’t have answers yet, but it’s been stressful, and she already works night shifts and has a lot on her plate. That’s part of why I want to start working—so I can become more independent, build better financial habits, and also help out where I can if needed. I’m just trying to do the right thing, gain experience, and become more independent, but I feel like I’m getting mixed signals from the people around me. I’d really appreciate honest advice—thanks in advance.
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